Role of Membrane Phospholipid Asymmetry in Cytoskeletal Reorganization during Membrane Fusion.

Abstract

Recent advances in molecular genetics have provided powerful tools for studying the biological function of proteins, resulting in rapid extension of our knowledge of their functions. However, little is still known about the organization and function of biological membranes, especially how membrane phospholipids are organized and participate in cellular functions. This is mainly because of the lack of appropriate methodologies for either manipulating or tracing the function of membrane lipids. We have developed various probes to analyze the molecular motion and function of phospholipids in biological membranes. Our recent studies have shown that enhanced transbilayer movement of plasma membrane phosphatidylethanolamine plays a pivotal role in mediating coordinated movement between cytoskeletal proteins and plasma membrane to achieve successful cell division and membrane fusion.